I Applaud Fergie's Stance

Okay, let me start off by stating this is something you will not hear me say often. I can feel my skin creep as I prepare to write the next sentence, but it is a true feeling I have, so hear goes.

I applaud Sir Alex Ferguson.

Eurgh.

But I do. I know what he said marks him out as a prize hypocrite, given the way he chased Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jaap Stam, but still, I applaud him for the stance he has taken over the whole Christiano Ronaldo affair. Faced with the prospect of a Spanish club performing their normal tricks of conducting their Transfer dealings through the media, and tapping up another team's player via the (Madrid-friendly) papers, Fergie and United acted decisively, and made it known that rather than see Ronaldo be stolen away from under their noses, they would force him to sit in the reserves and see no action. They then subsequently reported Real Madrid to FIFA over what appears to many to be an illegal approach.

FIFA, to their credit, maintained their grip on the world game by then stating that Madrid have done nothing wrong and they would not be pursuing the matter. Much better to pursue the 6+5 rule, eh? Good to know that the world governing body is really in control over unlawful approaches for players contracted to other teams, isn't it.

Arsenal more than most have, over the past few seasons, suffered at the hands of the underhand tactics of the Spanish big two of Barcelona and Real Madrid, and these guys have been allowed to get away with this for too long. It was about time they were brought to task about the way they actively pursue players.

Sadly they have been given carte blanche to carry on in the manner in which they have been doing.

But, even though this is the case, I wish to take a moment to say bravo to Fergie.

Arsene threatened to report Inter over the Alex Hleb affair, and has made similar utterances in the past, with nothing coming from it. I sometimes wish we would take a tougher line in cases like this, as the list is long of players tapped up by other clubs. Anelka, Vieira (multiple times), Overmars, Petit, Thierry Henry, Alex Hleb and now Adebayor, to name but a few. If we maybe took the hardline like Ferguson, perhaps it would deter certain clubs from approached under contract players so readily.

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United were right to file a complaint. The fact that it got them nowhere at all with FIFA in a case as blatant as this is intensely frustrating. I have the feeling that a Spanish paper can publish a draft contract as an example of what a player might be able to sign if he declares his desire to join them. At the very least it is a form of cheatingeben if all it achieves is to disrupt a competitor.

United were right to file a complaint. The fact that it got them nowhere at all with FIFA in a case as blatant as this is intensely frustrating. I have the feeling that a Spanish paper can publish a draft contract as an example of what a player might be able to sign if he declares his desire to join them. At the very least it is a form of cheatingeben if all it achieves is to disrupt a competitor.

Actually, United didn't file an official complaint, they just made a phonecall. An old saying in legal circles, he who comes to the court of equity must come with clean hands. Read the smallprint, no official complaint was lodged.

Actually, United didn't file an official complaint, they just made a phonecall. An old saying in legal circles, he who comes to the court of equity must come with clean hands. Read the smallprint, no official complaint was lodged.

Arsene doesn't make official complaints because he knows the authorities won't do anything, he just does what he can thru the media (and faxes). The thing with Fergie's and the Glazers' pronouncements is that I really don't believe them--they're doing what they can thru the media, issuing warnings and threats, and trying to play hardball. But deep down they know the authorities won't help them. I can't see them actually putting Cronaldo in the reserves nor can I see them winning this if the player stands firm in his desire to leave. If a player wants to go, esp. one of Cronaldo's stature, then I can't see how Fergie can stop him. The only way I can see this going Fergie's way is that, according to the Independent, Cronaldo's agent is now supposedly advising his client to stay at MU because he doesn't want to ruin his relationship with the European champions.

Arsene doesn't make official complaints because he knows the authorities won't do anything, he just does what he can thru the media (and faxes). The thing with Fergie's and the Glazers' pronouncements is that I really don't believe them--they're doing what they can thru the media, issuing warnings and threats, and trying to play hardball. But deep down they know the authorities won't help them. I can't see them actually putting Cronaldo in the reserves nor can I see them winning this if the player stands firm in his desire to leave. If a player wants to go, esp. one of Cronaldo's stature, then I can't see how Fergie can stop him. The only way I can see this going Fergie's way is that, according to the Independent, Cronaldo's agent is now supposedly advising his client to stay at MU because he doesn't want to ruin his relationship with the European champions.

jaelle, how come they can't stop Ronaldo from going or sit him in the reserves? Man U has the handle and Ronaldo had the blade because "he" signed a contract, no? They can do whatever they want until the contract is through as far as I can see.

jaelle, how come they can't stop Ronaldo from going or sit him in the reserves? Man U has the handle and Ronaldo had the blade because "he" signed a contract, no? They can do whatever they want until the contract is through as far as I can see.

I hope SAF sticks to his guns and gives him a choice..play at OT or watch at OT......also I think that if they sold him now they will be humiliated and I don't think the Glazers will stand for that. United right or wrongly see themselves as the most successful sports franchise in the world and they are not going to take kindly to another club 'bullying' them into selling their prize asset, or indeed their prize asset demanding a move half way through a contact. There is no love lost in this house as far as ManUre are concerned but I hope their board give Real and Ronaldo a two finger salute as regards to any transfer.

I hope SAF sticks to his guns and gives him a choice..play at OT or watch at OT......also I think that if they sold him now they will be humiliated and I don't think the Glazers will stand for that. United right or wrongly see themselves as the most successful sports franchise in the world and they are not going to take kindly to another club 'bullying' them into selling their prize asset, or indeed their prize asset demanding a move half way through a contact. There is no love lost in this house as far as ManUre are concerned but I hope their board give Real and Ronaldo a two finger salute as regards to any transfer.

paulsito, I just can't see them doing that to the most famous footballer in the world. Think of the publicity, think of how their league and cup campaigns will have that constant distraction of Cronaldo sitting in the stands or playing in the reserves. It's not an issue of whether or not they can or can't--it's an issue of the consequences of such a drastic action. Mind you, I think it would make for great images, the sight of Cronaldo always sitting in the stands or playing in the reserves. And can you imagine the PR campaign that his powerful agent would launch? His agent is the same guy who has Mourinho and Felipao for clients--he's considered one of the most powerful men in football.

paulsito, I just can't see them doing that to the most famous footballer in the world. Think of the publicity, think of how their league and cup campaigns will have that constant distraction of Cronaldo sitting in the stands or playing in the reserves. It's not an issue of whether or not they can or can't--it's an issue of the consequences of such a drastic action. Mind you, I think it would make for great images, the sight of Cronaldo always sitting in the stands or playing in the reserves. And can you imagine the PR campaign that his powerful agent would launch? His agent is the same guy who has Mourinho and Felipao for clients--he's considered one of the most powerful men in football.

I understand what you are saying but as a fan I am tired of players bailing out on the teams that made them famous. So even though I really am not sympathetic towards Man U, I hope fergie sticks to guns for the sake of the game. the game bigger than any one person and should be respected by those who are getting filthy rich from it. Where is the respect for the fans in all this?

I understand what you are saying but as a fan I am tired of players bailing out on the teams that made them famous. So even though I really am not sympathetic towards Man U, I hope fergie sticks to guns for the sake of the game. the game bigger than any one person and should be respected by those who are getting filthy rich from it. Where is the respect for the fans in all this?

Oh I agree entirely with you paulsito! I only WISH that Fergie and the Glazers would go thru with their threat. Who knows, they may still, I just tend to doubt it. On another subject entirely:
The Gods of Football can be cruel -- and they can be just.
Today: THEY WERE JUST.
And Germany was their instrument.
Portugal are OUT.
In one week, I watched my beloved France and Brazil (in last night's turgid wc qualifying game v. Argentina) look like Bolton. This is a little compensation for my misery.
And why Felipao relies on Simao rather than the far superior Quaresma is beyond me. I don't think Arsene will find him formidable to beat next season. Of course we'll have to be ready for new levels of simulation and attempts at leg-breaking and other such joys on the pitch.

Oh I agree entirely with you paulsito! I only WISH that Fergie and the Glazers would go thru with their threat. Who knows, they may still, I just tend to doubt it. On another subject entirely:
The Gods of Football can be cruel -- and they can be just.
Today: THEY WERE JUST.
And Germany was their instrument.
Portugal are OUT.
In one week, I watched my beloved France and Brazil (in last night's turgid wc qualifying game v. Argentina) look like Bolton. This is a little compensation for my misery.
And why Felipao relies on Simao rather than the far superior Quaresma is beyond me. I don't think Arsene will find him formidable to beat next season. Of course we'll have to be ready for new levels of simulation and attempts at leg-breaking and other such joys on the pitch.

Yes Jaelle justice done indeed! I couldn't believe I was cheering on Germany but I was, and they thoroughly deserved the win. The "Oh look at Ronaldo! See that flick?" commentary made me sick though. ITV (with Gary Neville as guest) extended their love for Ron to the entire Portugal team. Hmm I stayed up late for the game last night and was entirely underwhelmed, more by Brazil than Argentina where at least Messi and Aguero were trying something to win the game. I can't imagine a WC without Brazil but am starting to. lol

Yes Jaelle justice done indeed! I couldn't believe I was cheering on Germany but I was, and they thoroughly deserved the win. The "Oh look at Ronaldo! See that flick?" commentary made me sick though. ITV (with Gary Neville as guest) extended their love for Ron to the entire Portugal team. Hmm I stayed up late for the game last night and was entirely underwhelmed, more by Brazil than Argentina where at least Messi and Aguero were trying something to win the game. I can't imagine a WC without Brazil but am starting to. lol

It seems ManU did lodge a formal complaint to FIFA with responding. A Fifa statement read: "We can confirm that we received last week a formal complaint from Manchester United. From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet. Therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by Fifa regarding this matter."

It seems ManU did lodge a formal complaint to FIFA with responding. A Fifa statement read: "We can confirm that we received last week a formal complaint from Manchester United. From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet. Therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by Fifa regarding this matter."

Thank you LD. What I was trying to say before is in no way that I condone the actions of Madrid, far fom it. What I was saying was simply that maybe a club with a cleaner record in transfer dealings should be the one to pursue the matter. Still things need to change.

Thank you LD. What I was trying to say before is in no way that I condone the actions of Madrid, far fom it. What I was saying was simply that maybe a club with a cleaner record in transfer dealings should be the one to pursue the matter. Still things need to change.

yeah, he IS a hypocrite. I fully acknowledge that. perhaps the fact that whe he's done it, it has been to teams largely outside the uk, whereas Real seem to cast their grubby gaze and mucky mitts over to these shores regularly make me feel that way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to start sending Fergie xmas crds, it's more like that old saying 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'. If United were to take this stand against Real and succeed, it woudl benefit us. ManUre are wholly unlikely to attempt poaching our players. Any player playing for us would understand the rivalry and enmity that exists between the two clubs and would be most unliekly to try to facilitate a move etween the two. I think of Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira when i write that, which were both attempts to snaffle our players. Both unsuccessful.»»Arsene Knows««

yeah, he IS a hypocrite. I fully acknowledge that. perhaps the fact that whe he's done it, it has been to teams largely outside the uk, whereas Real seem to cast their grubby gaze and mucky mitts over to these shores regularly make me feel that way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to start sending Fergie xmas crds, it's more like that old saying 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'. If United were to take this stand against Real and succeed, it woudl benefit us. ManUre are wholly unlikely to attempt poaching our players. Any player playing for us would understand the rivalry and enmity that exists between the two clubs and would be most unliekly to try to facilitate a move etween the two. I think of Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira when i write that, which were both attempts to snaffle our players. Both unsuccessful.»»Arsene Knows««

As good as it may sound, Fergie wont leave him to rot in the stands. Think how much it will affect the team? Anderson and Nani in particular, tbh i think its time he left, so we can get top dollar for him and maybe snatch a few players off them in return. I think they key is that we are in th eenviable position of beong able to ask for what we want. £70 million plus Sneijder you say? Well if they dont wanna do it we keep our player, simple as. I think hty ekey for fergie is that we get the deal WE want....not Real, not Ronaldo, the deal we want...though im sure yoy ll have a different opinion :)

As good as it may sound, Fergie wont leave him to rot in the stands. Think how much it will affect the team? Anderson and Nani in particular, tbh i think its time he left, so we can get top dollar for him and maybe snatch a few players off them in return. I think they key is that we are in th eenviable position of beong able to ask for what we want. £70 million plus Sneijder you say? Well if they dont wanna do it we keep our player, simple as. I think hty ekey for fergie is that we get the deal WE want....not Real, not Ronaldo, the deal we want...though im sure yoy ll have a different opinion :)

"I heard that the Brazil fans turned on the team to the extent that they began to cheer for the Argies and Messi was given a standing ovation.Is this true?" -- YES! I was screaming to the TV along with 2 cousins and an uncle shouting things like "WHY THE HELL DOESN'T HE PUT PATO ON?!?!", and Portuguese obscenities. The crowd at the Mineirao chanted "BYE BYE DUNGA!" and "BURRO! BURRO! BURRO!" (I assume you all get that). Now please understand the gravity of this: for Brazilian fans to CHEER on Argentina and to cheer them on when they're close to scoring, for me and family members to say "PLEASE MESSI KILL US NOW!" is something so incredible, there are no words for it--it's a measure of how much we despair at this team Dunga has created. Even when he wins, it's totally uninspiring.

"I heard that the Brazil fans turned on the team to the extent that they began to cheer for the Argies and Messi was given a standing ovation.Is this true?" -- YES! I was screaming to the TV along with 2 cousins and an uncle shouting things like "WHY THE HELL DOESN'T HE PUT PATO ON?!?!", and Portuguese obscenities. The crowd at the Mineirao chanted "BYE BYE DUNGA!" and "BURRO! BURRO! BURRO!" (I assume you all get that). Now please understand the gravity of this: for Brazilian fans to CHEER on Argentina and to cheer them on when they're close to scoring, for me and family members to say "PLEASE MESSI KILL US NOW!" is something so incredible, there are no words for it--it's a measure of how much we despair at this team Dunga has created. Even when he wins, it's totally uninspiring.

Heart-breaking stuff there Jaelle.. Reminds me of how Barca fans applauded RvN's penalty at the Bernabeu and I was so perplexed and felt sad for them. Just as perplexing and saddening was the way the Real fans applauded Henry's (actually great) consolation goal that made it 4-1. Oops, he's been the only goal scorer on the terrible losing side of both 4-1 games for Barca and France vs Italy. Poor old Thierry..

Heart-breaking stuff there Jaelle.. Reminds me of how Barca fans applauded RvN's penalty at the Bernabeu and I was so perplexed and felt sad for them. Just as perplexing and saddening was the way the Real fans applauded Henry's (actually great) consolation goal that made it 4-1. Oops, he's been the only goal scorer on the terrible losing side of both 4-1 games for Barca and France vs Italy. Poor old Thierry..

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